Published Jun 29, 2026 4 Min Read

Copy Link

Inroduction

A Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who complete specialised education in mutual funds and portfolio management. The programme is designed to improve knowledge of investment planning and mutual fund recommendations.

  • CMFC stands for Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor. 
  • The CMFC programme is completed through a 10-week self-study course. 
  • To maintain the designation, professionals must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years.  
  • Mutual fund investments in India are regulated by SEBI, while AMFI sets professional standards for mutual fund distributors. 
  • On the Bajaj Broking website, investors can choose from 4,000+ mutual fund schemes and start a SIP from Rs. 100 per month for eligible schemes. 

The Bajaj Broking website lets you complete your KYC, compare mutual fund schemes and invest through SIP or lumpsum based on your financial goals.

What is a Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC)?

A Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) is a professional designation for individuals who want to build expertise in mutual funds, portfolio management and investment planning. It is intended for financial advisers and investment professionals who help clients make informed investment decisions.

The programme covers topics such as mutual funds, asset allocation, risk management, retirement planning and investment strategies. Earning the designation demonstrates that the holder has completed specialised education in these areas.

Unlike a mutual fund investment, the CMFC is a professional qualification. It does not represent a mutual fund scheme or guarantee investment performance.

How does CMFC work?

The CMFC programme helps financial professionals develop a structured understanding of mutual funds and investment planning. After completing the required coursework, candidates receive the professional designation if they meet the programme requirements.

FeatureDetails
Full formChartered Mutual Fund Counselor
Course formatSelf-study programme
Course duration10 weeks
Focus areasMutual funds, portfolio management, retirement planning and investment strategies
Continuing education16 hours every 2 years to maintain the designation

The designation helps advisers strengthen their knowledge of mutual fund investing, but it does not replace the regulatory requirements applicable in India under SEBI and AMFI.

How do you become a CMFC?

Becoming a Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) involves completing the required education programme and meeting the designation requirements. The course is designed for financial professionals who want to improve their knowledge of mutual funds and investment planning.

  1. Check your eligibility before enrolling for the CMFC programme. 
  2. Register with the approved education provider offering the CMFC designation. 
  3. Complete the 10-week self-study programme, covering topics such as mutual funds, portfolio management, asset allocation and retirement planning. 
  4. Pass the required assessment after completing the course material. 
  5. Receive the CMFC designation after successfully meeting all programme requirements. 
  6. Complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain the designation. 

Why choose a CMFC as your mutual fund advisor?

A Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) has completed specialised education in mutual funds and investment planning. This knowledge can help you better understand different mutual fund options and build an investment strategy that matches your financial goals.

BenefitWhy it matters
Specialised mutual fund knowledgeCMFC professionals study mutual funds, portfolio management and asset allocation.
Goal-based investment planningThey can help align investments with your financial objectives and investment horizon.
Risk assessmentThey help you understand your risk appetite before suggesting suitable investments.
Diversification guidanceThey may recommend a diversified portfolio instead of concentrating investments in a single asset class.
Ongoing supportThey can review your portfolio periodically and suggest changes when required.

While a CMFC can provide professional guidance, mutual fund investments remain subject to market risk. Always review the SEBI-mandated riskometer, which ranges from Low to Very High, before investing.

CMFC vs Other mutual fund certifications

Several professional certifications cover mutual funds and financial planning. The right certification depends on your career goals and the area in which you want to specialise.

CertificationPrimary focusSuitable for
CMFCMutual funds, portfolio management and investment planningFinancial advisers and investment professionals
CFPComprehensive financial planning, retirement, insurance and taxationFinancial planners offering holistic financial advice
CFSMutual funds and investment managementInvestment professionals seeking advanced mutual fund knowledge

Before pursuing any certification, compare the course curriculum, eligibility requirements, industry recognition and continuing education requirements. If you plan to work in India's mutual fund industry, ensure you also meet the applicable SEBI and AMFI regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

A Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) is a professional designation that helps financial advisers strengthen their knowledge of mutual funds, portfolio management and investment planning. Completing the 10-week programme and fulfilling the 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years helps professionals maintain the designation.

If you are looking to build a career in financial advisory, the CMFC can strengthen your professional knowledge. If you are an investor looking for mutual fund investment opportunities, the Bajaj Broking website offers 4,000+ mutual fund schemes across equity, debt, hybrid, ELSS and thematic categories. After completing your mandatory KYC, you can invest through SIP from Rs. 100 per month or choose a lumpsum investment.

Frequently asked questions

Is the CMFC certification still available to new candidates?

No. The Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) designation is no longer open to new candidates. The programme has been discontinued for new enrolments. However, professionals who already hold the designation can continue to use it by meeting the required continuing education requirements. If you are considering a career in financial advisory, you should explore other recognised certifications that are currently available.


What topics are covered in the CMFC course?

The CMFC programme covers a range of topics related to mutual funds and investment planning. The curriculum generally includes:

  • Mutual fund fundamentals 
  • Portfolio management 
  • Asset allocation 
  • Risk management 
  • Retirement planning 
  • Investment strategies 
  • Financial planning principles 

The course is delivered through a 10-week self-study programme and is designed to help financial professionals strengthen their investment knowledge.


How can a CMFC help in mutual fund investing?

A Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) can help you understand different mutual fund categories, assess your financial goals and evaluate your risk appetite before suggesting suitable investment options. They can also explain concepts such as SIPs, lumpsum investments and portfolio diversification. On the Bajaj Broking website, you can explore 4,000+ mutual fund schemes across equity, debt, hybrid, ELSS and thematic categories and start investing through SIP from Rs. 100 per month after completing your mandatory KYC.


What are the renewal requirements for a CMFC designation?

To maintain the Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) designation, you must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years. This requirement helps ensure that CMFC professionals stay updated with changes in investment practices, financial planning concepts and industry developments. Failure to meet the continuing education requirement may affect the status of the designation.


What is the difference between CMFC and CFP?

Both CMFC and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) are professional financial designations, but they focus on different areas.

FeatureCMFCCFP
Primary focusMutual funds, portfolio management and investment planningComprehensive financial planning
CoverageMutual funds and investment strategiesInvestments, insurance, retirement, taxation and estate planning
Suitable forMutual fund advisers and investment professionalsFinancial planners providing holistic financial advice
Continuing education16 hours every 2 yearsAs prescribed by the CFP certification authority

The right certification depends on your career goals and the type of financial advice you plan to provide.


How does a CMFC advisor work when managing a mutual fund portfolio?

A CMFC adviser begins by understanding your financial goals, investment horizon and risk tolerance. Based on this assessment, they may recommend suitable mutual fund categories and help you build a diversified portfolio. They also review your investments periodically and suggest changes when needed. However, the actual management of mutual fund schemes is carried out by professional fund managers at the respective Asset Management Company (AMC), not by the CMFC adviser.

Show More Show Less

Related Articles

Article 1

How to Avoid LTCG Tax on Mutual Funds

Read More

 Article 2

How to Calculate Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Funds

Read More

 Article 3

Is SIP Tax Free

Read More

 Article 4

Non-Equity Mutual Funds

Read More

Related Videos

Important things NRIs must know before investing in India
 
 

Important things NRIs must know before investing in India

Is SIP better than FD?
 
 

Is SIP better than FD?

Why diversification is key in Mutual Fund investments?
 
 

Why diversification is key in Mutual Fund investments?

Know more about types of Hybrid Funds
 
 

Know more about types of Hybrid Funds

Home > Investments > Mutual Funds > Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor

Related Links

Bajaj Finance app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finance App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finance App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finance App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is an NBFC offering loans, deposits and third-party wealth management products.

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute any financial advice. The content herein has been prepared by BFL on the basis of publicly available information, internal sources and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, BFL cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness, or warrant such information will not be changed.

This information should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any investment decisions. Hence, User is advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting independent financial experts, if any, and the investor shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited ("BFL") is registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India ("AMFI") as a distributor of third party Mutual Funds (shortly referred as 'Mutual Funds) with ARN No. 90319

BFL does NOT:

(i) provide investment advisory services in any manner or form.

(ii) carry customized/personalized suitability assessment.

(iii) carry independent research or analysis, including on any Mutual Fund schemes or other investments; and provide any guarantee of return on investment.

In addition to displaying the Mutual fund products of Asset Management Companies, some general information is sourced from third parties, is also displayed on As-is basis, which should NOT be construed as any solicitation or attempt to effect transactions in securities or the rendering any investment advice. Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, including loss of principal amount and Investor should read all Scheme/Offer related documents carefully. The NAV of units issued under the Schemes of mutual funds can go up or down depending on the factors and forces affecting capital markets and may also be affected by changes in the general level of interest rates. The NAV of the units issued under the scheme may be affected, inter-alia by changes in the interest rates, trading volumes, settlement periods, transfer procedures and performance of individual securities forming part of the Mutual Fund. The NAV will inter-alia be exposed to Price/Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk. Past performance of any scheme of the Mutual fund do not indicate the future performance of the Schemes of the Mutual Fund. BFL shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or shortfall incurred by the investors. There may be other/better alternatives to the investment avenues displayed by BFL. Hence, the final investment decision shall at all times exclusively remain with the investor alone and BFL shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences thereof.

Investment by a person residing outside the territorial jurisdiction of India is not acceptable nor permitted.

Disclaimer on Risk-O-Meter:

Investors are advised before investing to evaluate a scheme not only on the basis of the Product labeling (including the Riskometer) but also on other quantitative and qualitative factors such as performance, portfolio, fund managers, asset manager, etc, and shall also consult their Professional advisors, if they are unsure about the suitability of the scheme before investing.


Disclosure: Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) is a distributor of Mutual Funds with ARN - 90319 and distributes mutual funds of Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited (BFSAMC). BFL receives commission towards distribution of mutual fund products. BFSAMC is a group company of BFL, carrying business on arm’s length basis without any conflict of interest and in accordance with the prevailing law / regulation.

Download app image